Oral airways

ABSTRACT

An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/144,878, filed Jul. 28, 2014, whichnonprovisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein,and which '878 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 11/967,188, filed Dec. 29, 2007, whichnonprovisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein,and which '188 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 11/767,473, filed Jun. 22, 2007, whichnonprovisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein,and which '473 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent applicationof, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/883,116, filed Jan. 2, 2007, whichprovisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein, andwhich '188 application further is a U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/883,116, filed Jan. 2, 2007.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to oral airways and, in particular tooral airways that facilitate fiber-optic intubation of the trachea.

Oral airways are well known. Generally, an oral airway is a device usedin anesthesia to maintain patency of the path from the mouth of apatient to the pharynx of the patient. Oral airways are commonlyutilized in mask ventilation for CPR or induction of anesthesia.

One use of oral airways is to facilitate fiber-optic intubation of thetrachea with an endotracheal tube. The oral airway splints open theteeth providing a conduit through which a thin filamentous fiber-opticbronchoscope may be passed from the mouth through the vocal cords sothat, in turn, an endotracheal tube may be passed over the fiber-opticscope through the oral airway to the proper position through the vocalcords. Such technique is sometimes known as the “Seldinger” technique.

The basic design of conventional oral airways in use today is that of ahollow plastic tube which, when placed between the teeth as a biteblock, follows a natural curve to the posterior pharynx to pull thetongue forward to facilitate passage of a fiber-optic tube bronchoscopeto the larynx and through the vocal cords.

Each of the following U.S. patent references discloses conventional oralairways: Ovassapian U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,218; Williams U.S. Pat. No.4,338,930; Berman U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,067,331, 4,054,135, and 3,930,507;Northway-Meyer U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,331; and Alfery U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2003/0000534. Each of these U.S. patentreferences is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Currently available commercial products that are believed to be based onthe Ovassapian, Berman, and Williams patented oral airways discussedabove are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a top and side perspective view, respectively, of acommercially available oral airway 10 believed to represent theOvassapian oral airway. As shown therein, the airway 10 includes a wide,flat lingual surface 12 that allows for stability of the oral airway andforward depression of the tongue, both of which increase the ease ofpositioning the fiber-optic scope. The construction of this oral airway10 is perhaps best illustrated in the incorporated reference U.S. Pat.No. 5,024,218. Unfortunately, the oral airway 10 has been found to tendto direct the fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tube posteriorly towardthe esophagus rather than anteriorly toward the trachea. The oral airway10 also has been found to be very difficult to remove without disruptingplacement of an endotracheal tube after the endotracheal tube has beenproperly positioned with respect to the trachea.

With reference to FIG. 3, a commercially available oral airway 20believed to represent the Williams oral airway is shown and includes aposterior pharyngeal curve 22 that tends to direct a fiber-optic scopeand endotracheal tube anteriorly toward the trachea. The construction ofthis oral airway 10 is perhaps best illustrated in the incorporatedreference U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,930. Unfortunately, the oral airway 20 hasbeen found to be very narrow and to wobble in a patient's mouth, therebymaking the fiber-optic scoping process difficult. The oral airway 20also has been found to be cumbersome to remove without disruptingplacement of an endotracheal tube after the endotracheal tube has beenproperly positioned with respect to the trachea.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 4, a commercially available oral airway30 believed to represent the Berman oral airway is shown and includes,on one side, a sidewall having a first opening or cutaway section (notshown) that extends the entire length of the oral airway 30 and, on theother side as shown, a sidewall having a second opening or cutawaysection 32 that generally extends along the midsection of the oralairway 30, with the sidewall further including hinging sections 35disposed there along. The hinging sections 35 permit the opening of theoral airway, i.e., expansion of the first opening or cutaway extendingthe entire length of the oral airway 30, for easy removal of afiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube. While permitting hingingmovement, the hinging sections 35 nevertheless continuously join theoral airway 30 such that the oral airway 30 is considered to be a singleintegral unit. The construction of this oral airway 30 is perhaps bestillustrated in the incorporated reference U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,135.Unfortunately, the oral airway 30 has been found to be very narrow andunstable and to include a posterior curve that tends to direct afiber-optic scope and endotracheal tube posteriorly toward the esophagusinstead of anteriorly toward the trachea.

Even in view of the conventional oral airways, it is believed that aneed exists for still yet further improvement in oral airways used tofacilitate fiber-optic intubation of the trachea.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while manyaspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context oforal airways that facilitate fiber-optic intubation of the trachea, theinvention is not limited to such use of oral airways and may be used inother contexts as well.

In an aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes first and secondcomponents that are removably coupled together to define a conduitconfigured to receive therethrough a fiber-optic scope or anendotracheal tube for intubation of the trachea of a patient.Furthermore, the first and second components are configured to bedecoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth withoutdisrupting an endotracheal tube that has been received through theconduit for tracheal intubation.

In a feature of the invention, the first and second components aremaintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanicalstructure. The interlocking mechanical structure may include one or morespring-like elements and/or may include one or more detents.

In a feature of the invention, the oral airway further includes a latchmechanism. In this respect, the first and second components, whenremovably coupled together, are retained in physical engagement with oneanother by the latch mechanism.

In a feature of the invention, the first component includes elastic,spring-like arms that extend from and form part of the first component,and the second component includes sidewalls having corresponding slotsformed therein. Furthermore, detents are formed in the arms of the firstcomponent and are received and retained by corresponding depressionsformed in the slots of the second component.

In a feature of the invention, the first component includes first andsecond tongues extending in generally parallel relation, the secondcomponent includes first and second grooves extending in generallyparallel relation, and, when the first and second components areremovably coupled together, the first and second tongues extend,respectively, within the first and second grooves in interlockingengagement. Optionally, in connection with this feature, each tongue iselongate and includes a leading end and a trailing end; each groove iselongate and includes an opening at a forward end for receiving theleading end of a respective tongue therethrough; and, when the first andsecond components are removably coupled together for facilitatingtracheal intubation, the elongate tongues are received within theelongate grooves. Each tongue further may include a protuberanceproximate the leading end; each groove further may include a recesslocated proximate a rear end; and, when the first and second componentsare removably coupled together for facilitating tracheal intubation, theprotuberances of the tongues at the leading ends thereof then may bereceived within the recesses of the grooves at the rear ends thereof forlatching of the first and second components in physical engagement withone another. Each groove may include a T slot or an L slot.

In a feature of the invention, the first and second components aremaintained in their coupled disposition by magnetism. In this regard,the first component may include sidewalls having first magnetizedelements and the second component may include sidewalls having secondmagnetized elements that respectively attract the first magnetizedelements when the first and second components are coupled together.

In a feature of the invention, the oral airway further includes a mouthguard for abutting the exterior area of the mouth of a patient duringendotracheal intubation. The mouth guard prevents the oral airway fromoverextending into the mouth of the patient. In connection therewith,the first component and the second component may define a chamferbetween the interior passage through the oral airway and an exteriorsurface of the mouth guard; the first component may form a first mouthguard portion and the second component may form a second mouth guardportion, with the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guardportion defining the mouth guard itself. Still further, the first mouthguard portion and the second mouth guard portion each may have surfacesthat extend in generally coplanar relation for presenting a flushexterior mouth guard surface of the oral airway; the first mouth guardportion may extend adjacent opposite lateral sides of the second mouthguard portion; and/or the second mouth guard portion further may includean area dimensioned for grasping the second component for decoupling ofthe first and second components.

In another aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes a firstcomponent having a first guiding surface and a second component having asecond guiding surface. Furthermore, the first component and the secondcomponent are adapted to be removably coupled together such that thefirst guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively defineand encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that isdimensioned to direct a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tubeextending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the first component further includes aposterior curve that directs a fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tubeanteriorly toward the vocal cords during tracheal intubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components areconfigured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient'smouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extendedthrough the conduit for tracheal intubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the interior passage is generally oval incross-sectional profile, and the interior passage may be generallycircular in cross-sectional profile.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components provide acontinuous, uninterrupted exterior surface circumferentially surroundingthe interior passage. Additionally, the exterior surface may begenerally oval in cross-sectional profile. The first component also mayinclude a first generally planar member protracting on opposite lateralsides of the first component, and the second component may include asecond generally planar member protracting on opposite lateral sides ofthe second component, with the first generally planar member and thesecond generally planar member extending in spaced, generally parallelrelation to one another. The first generally planar member and thesecond generally planar member thereby may be configured to splint theteeth of the mouth of a patient, and provide stability against rotationof the oral airway, during endotracheal intubation. The second generallyplanar member also may include a flat lingual surface that is configuredto forwardly depress the tongue of a patient during endotrachealintubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the second component includes tapering sideedges.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components aremaintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanicalstructure.

In a feature of this aspect, the first component is configured to slideout of physical engagement with the second component.

In a feature of this aspect, when the first component and the secondcomponent are removably coupled together, the oral airway furtherincludes a mouth guard for abutting the exterior area of the mouth of apatient during endotracheal intubation and preventing the oral airwayfrom overextending into the mouth of the patient. The first componentand the second component, when removably coupled together, also maydefine a chamfer between the interior passage through the oral airwayand an exterior surface of the mouth guard. When removably coupledtogether, the first component also may form a first mouth guard portionand wherein the second component forms a second mouth guard portion, thefirst mouth guard portion and the second mouth guard portion definingthe mouth guard itself. Additionally, the first mouth guard portion andthe second mouth guard portion each may have surfaces that extend ingenerally coplanar relation for presenting a flush exterior mouth guardsurface of the oral airway when the first component and the secondcomponent are removably coupled together; the first mouth guard portionmay extend adjacent opposite lateral sides of the second mouth guardportion when the first component and the second component are removablycoupled together; and the second mouth guard portion further may includean area dimensioned for grasping by hand of the second component fordecoupling of the first and second components.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components aremaintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanicalstructure. The interlocking mechanical structure may include aspring-like element and/or a detent.

In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes a latchmechanism. Furthermore, the first and second components, when removablycoupled together, are retained in physical engagement with one anotherby the latch mechanism.

In a feature of this aspect, the first component includes first andsecond tongues extending in generally parallel relation, wherein thesecond component includes first and second grooves extending ingenerally parallel relation, and wherein, when the first and secondcomponents are removably coupled together, the first and second tonguesextend, respectively, within the first and second grooves ininterlocking engagement. Additionally, each tongue may be elongate andinclude a leading end and a trailing end; each groove may be elongateand include an opening at a forward end for receiving the leading end ofa respective tongue therethrough; and, when the first and secondcomponents are removably coupled together for facilitating trachealintubation, the elongate tongues may be received within the elongategrooves. Each tongue may further include a protuberance proximate theleading end; each groove further may include a recess located proximatea rear end; and, when the first and second components are removablycoupled together for facilitating tracheal intubation, the protuberancesof the tongues at the leading ends thereof may then be received withinthe recesses of the grooves at the rear ends thereof for latching of thefirst and second components in physical engagement with one another.Each groove also may include a T slot or an L slot.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components aremaintained in their coupled disposition by magnetism. The firstcomponent may include sidewalls having first magnetized elements and thesecond component may include sidewalls having second magnetized elementsthat respectively attract the first magnetized elements when the firstand second components are coupled together.

In another aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes superior andinferior components removably coupled together. Additionally, thesuperior component has an anterior portion that extends generallylinearly in a longitudinal direction a first extent and includes a firstcurved surface; and a posterior elbow portion that extends generallycurvilinearly in the longitudinal direction and includes a second curvedsurface. Furthermore, the second curved surface of the elbow portion incombination with the first curved surface of the anterior portiondefines a first guiding surface of the oral airway. The inferiorcomponent has a first portion that extends generally linearly in thelongitudinal direction approximately the first extent, and the firstportion of the inferior component includes a first curved surface thatis located in opposing relation to the first curved surface of theanterior portion of the superior component. A second portion of theinferior component includes a second curved surface that is located inopposing relation to the second curved surface of the elbow portion. Thefirst and second curved surfaces of the first and second portions of theinferior component collectively define a second guiding surface. Thefirst guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively defineand encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that isdimensioned to direct a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tubeextending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the second curved surface of the elbowportion includes a posterior curve that directs a fiber-optic scope orendotracheal tube toward the vocal cords during tracheal intubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the superior and inferior components areconfigured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient'smouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extendedthrough the conduit for tracheal intubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the interior passage is generally oval incross-sectional profile and may be generally circular in cross-sectionalprofile.

In a feature of this aspect, the superior and inferior componentsprovide a continuous, uninterrupted exterior surface thatcircumferentially surrounds the interior passage. The exterior surfacemay be generally oval in cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, thesuperior component may include a first generally planar member thatprotracts in opposite lateral directions from the exterior surface ofthe anterior portion of the superior component, and the inferiorcomponent may likewise include a second generally planar memberprotracting in opposite lateral directions from the exterior surface ofthe first portion of the inferior component, with the first generallyplanar member and the second generally planar member extending in spacedparallel relation to one another. The first generally planar member andthe second generally planar member thereby may be configured to splintthe teeth of the mouth of a patient, and provide stability againstrotation of the oral airway, during endotracheal intubation. The secondgenerally planar member also may include a flat lingual surface that isconfigured to forwardly depress the tongue of a patient duringendotracheal intubation.

In a feature of this aspect, the second portion of the inferiorcomponent includes tapering side edges.

In a feature of this aspect, the superior and inferior components aremaintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanicalstructure.

In a feature of this aspect, the inferior component is configured toslide out of physical engagement with the superior component.

In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes a mouthguard for abutting the exterior area of the mouth of a patient duringendotracheal intubation and for preventing the oral airway fromoverextending into the mouth of the patient. The anterior portion of thesuperior component and the first portion of the inferior componentfurther may define a chamfer between the interior passage through theoral airway and an exterior surface of the mouth guard. The superiorcomponent also may form a first mouth guard portion and the inferiorcomponent may form a second mouth guard portion, with the first mouthguard portion and the second mouth guard portion defining the mouthguard itself.

Additionally, the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guardportion each may have surfaces that extend in generally coplanarrelation for presenting a flush exterior mouth guard surface of the oralairway; the first mouth guard portion may extend adjacent oppositelateral sides of the second mouth guard portion; and the second mouthguard portion further may include an area dimensioned for grasping bythe hand for decoupling of the superior and inferior components.

In another aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes first andsecond components that are removably coupled together to define aconduit through which a fiber-optic scope and/or an endotracheal tubemay be extended, the first and second components completely encirclingsuch fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube when extending through theconduit. Additionally, when decoupled, the first and second componentsare independently removable from a patient's mouth without disruptingplacement of an endotracheal tube.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components aremaintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanicalstructure. The interlocking mechanical structure may include an elasticelement and/or may include a detent.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components aremaintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components, whencoupled together, define a wide, flat lingual surface that allows forstability of the oral airway and forward depression of the tongue whenplaced within a patient's mouth.

In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes aposterior curve defined by one or both of the first and secondcomponents that directs the fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tubeanteriorly toward the vocal cords.

In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes aposterior curve defined by one or both of the first and secondcomponents that directs the fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tubeanteriorly toward the vocal cords.

In still other aspects of the invention, methods for fiber-opticintubation of the trachea include the use of oral airways in accordancewith any of the foregoing aspects.

In accordance with a particular one of these aspects, a method oftracheal intubation includes the steps of extending an endotracheal tubethrough a conduit defined by first and second components of an oralairway, wherein the first and second components are removably coupledtogether to define the conduit; decoupling the first and secondcomponents after an endotracheal tube has been extended through theconduit for tracheal intubation such that the first and secondcomponents are physically separated from one another; removing the firstcomponent from the patient's mouth without disrupting the endotrachealtube; and removing the second component from the patient's mouth withoutdisrupting the endotracheal tube.

In a feature of this aspect, the step of removing the first component isperformed prior to the step of removing the second component.

In a feature of this aspect, the step of removing the first component isperformed after the step of removing the second component.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components completelyencompass the endotracheal tube when extended through the conduit.

In a feature of this aspect, the step of decoupling the first and secondcomponents includes sliding one of the components relative to the otherof the components.

In a feature of this aspect, the step of decoupling the first and secondcomponents includes further applying a sufficient amount of force toovercome a latch that serves to retain the first and second componentstogether in fixed disposition.

In still additional features of the invention, an oral airway mayadapted, configured, or manufactured to provide a desirable smell and/ortaste. For example, a flavoring material may be applied during themanufacture of the oral airway, or may be applied afterwards, thatresults in a desirable flavor being experienced when the oral airway isutilized in the mouth. The flavor may be, for example, that of a food, anatural flavor, or an artificial flavor including, but not limited to,bubble gum or a fruit, such as an orange. Alternatively, or in addition,a material may be may be applied during the manufacture of the oralairway, or may be applied afterwards, that results in a desirable scentor odor being experienced when the oral airway is utilized. The scent orodor may be that of a food or other pleasant item. In connection withthe flavoring and/or scent, the oral airway may include a correspondingcolor, such as a pink color if the flavoring and/or scent is that ofbubble gum.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the invention,it should be noted that the invention further encompasses the variouspossible combinations of such aspects and features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the invention now will be describedin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the samegeneral elements are referred to with the same or similar referencenumerals.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top of a commercially available oralairway that is believed to be representative of the Ovassapian oralairway.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the side of the Ovassapian oral airwayof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the side of a commercially availableoral airway that is believed to be representative of the Williams oralairway.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the side of a commercially availableoral airway that is believed to be representative of the Berman oralairway.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an oral airway 100 in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view generally of a front of the oral airway 100of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the oral airway 100 of FIG. 5illustrating the separation of two components that form the oral airway100.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of another oral airway 200 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating the separation of two components that form the oral airway200.

FIG. 9 is a top elevational view of an oral airway 300 in accordancewith yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view generally of a front of the oral airway300 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an oral airway 400 in accordance withyet another preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the oral airway 400 of FIG.11.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a first component 402 of the oral airwayof FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a second component 402 of the oralairway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the oral airway 400 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the first component 402 of the oral airwayof FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the second component 404 of the oralairway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the oral airway 400 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the first component 402 of the oralairway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the second component 404 of the oralairway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the oral airway 400 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the first component 402 of theoral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the second component 404 of theoral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view of the oral airway 400 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 25 is a rear elevational view of the first component 402 of theoral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 26 is a rear elevational view of the second component 404 of theoral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 27 is first side elevational view of the oral airway 400 of FIG.11.

FIG. 28 is a first side elevational view of the first component 402 ofthe oral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 29 is a first side elevational view of the second component 404 ofthe oral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 30 is second side elevational view of the oral airway 400 of FIG.11.

FIG. 31 is a second side elevational view of the first component 402 ofthe oral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 32 is a second side elevational view of the second component 404 ofthe oral airway of FIG. 11.

FIG. 33 is a first side elevational view of the oral airway 400 takenalong lines 33 in FIG. 27.

FIG. 34 is a partial view of the second component 404 of the oral airwayof FIG. 11 illustrating an indentation or recess 464 of the latchmechanism of the oral airway.

FIG. 35 is a partial view of the first component 402 of the oral airwayof FIG. 11 illustrating raised bump or protuberance 462 of the latchmechanism of the oral airway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that theinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Otherembodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposesin providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Moreover,many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail inrelation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention, and is mademerely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure ofthe invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodimentsis not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patentprotection afforded the invention, which scope is to be defined by theclaims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the invention be defined by reading into anyclaim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in theclaim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patentprotection afforded the invention is to be defined by the appendedclaims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more oral airways in accordancewith one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are nextdescribed. The following description of such oral airways is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its applications, or uses.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-4, commercially available oral airways areillustrated. In particular, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the Ovassapian oralairway; FIG. 3 illustrates the Williams oral airway; and FIG. 4illustrates the Berman oral airway, all of which are commerciallyavailable and are described in detail in the “background of theinvention” section above.

In contrast, oral airways in accordance with preferred embodiments ofthe invention are illustrated in FIGS. 5-10. In particular, FIGS. 5-7illustrate an oral airway 100 in accordance with a first preferredembodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 illustrates an oral airway 200 inaccordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an oral airway 300 in accordance with a thirdpreferred embodiment of the invention; and FIGS. 11-35 illustrate anoral airway 400, or components thereof, in accordance with a fourthembodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the oral airway 100 includes a firstcomponent 102 and a second component 104 that are removably coupledtogether to form the oral airway 100. A dashed line 106 is included inFIG. 5 to demarcate a preferred juncture between the first component 102and the second component 104. The demarcation line 106 also extends insimilar fashion about the other side of the oral airway 100. The firstcomponent 102 extends over the second component 104 and forms the “top”of the oral airway 100, with the second component 104 forming the“bottom” of the oral airway 100. When coupled together, the firstcomponent 102 and the second component 104 define a conduit 108 having afirst opening 110 and a second opening 112 through which a fiber-opticscope and an endotracheal tube may be extended for intubation of thetrachea.

The first component 102 and the second component 104 are shown decoupledfrom one another in FIG. 6. When so disengaged, each of the components102,104 may be independently removed from the mouth of a patient withoutdisrupting the proper placement of an endotracheal tube in the tracheaof a patient.

When coupled together, the first component 102 and the second component104 preferably are forcibly retained in this condition until someminimum amount of force is applied to separate the components 102,104.In the oral airway 100, detents 114 are utilized to retain the couplingbetween the two components 102,104. In this regard, the detents areformed on elastic, spring-like lever arms 116 that extend from and formpart of the second component 104 and that are received withincorresponding slots 118 formed in sidewalls of the first component 102.The detents 114 are received and retained by corresponding depressions120 formed in the slots 118 of the first component 102.

The oral airway 200 of FIG. 8 includes a first component 202 and asecond component 204 that are removably coupled together to form theoral airway 200, and is generally similar in design to the oral airway100 of FIGS. 5-7. The differences between the oral airway 100 and theoral airway 200 relate to the mechanism that is utilized to retain thefirst and second components 102,104 and 202,204 in their respectivecoupled disposition. In this regard, while the oral airway 100 of FIGS.5-7 utilizes an interlocking mechanical structure, including elasticelements, to maintain the components 102,104 in their coupleddisposition, the oral airway 200 of FIG. 8 utilizes magnetism tomaintain the coupling. Specifically, sidewalls of the first component202 include magnetized elements 214 and sidewalls of the secondcomponent 204 of the oral airway 200 include magnetized elements 216that respectively attract each other when the two components 102,104 arecoupled together.

In various alternative designs of the preferred embodiments, thejuncture of the first component and the second component could extendalong the top and bottom of the oral airway such that the oral airwaysplits into two halves wherein, for example, each half is a mirror imageof the other. One such example of such an arrangement is shown in FIGS.9 and 10, wherein an oral airway 300 includes a first component 302 anda second component 304 that are removably coupled together to form theoral airway 300. This oral airway 300 is generally similar in design tothe oral airway 100 of FIGS. 5-7 or the oral airway 200 of FIG. 8,except that the two components 302,304 are joined along a verticaljuncture, demarcated by a dashed line 306 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,rather than by a horizontal juncture such as, for example, the juncturedemarcated by dashed line 106 in FIG. 5.

Other configurations are within the scope of the invention, with thecommon feature being that the oral airway separates into two independentpieces such that the oral airway may be removed directly away from thesides an endotracheal tube without displacement of the endotrachealtube. In other words, when coupled, the two components preferablycompletely encompass or encircle an endotracheal tube extended throughthe conduit of the oral airway and, when decoupled, the two componentspreferably do not completely encompass or encircle an endotracheal tubesuch that each component may be independently removed away from theendotracheal tube.

Yet another oral airway 400—and components thereof—in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention collectively are illustrated inFIGS. 11-35. In particular, FIGS. 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33illustrate various views of the first component 402 and second component404 removably coupled together to form the oral airway 400. FIGS. 13,16, 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 illustrate various corresponding views of thefirst component 402, and FIGS. 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29 and 32 likewiseillustrate various corresponding views of the second component 404. FIG.12 illustrates an exploded view of the first component 402 and secondcomponent 404 arrived at by decoupling and sliding of the secondcomponent 404 in the direction of arrow A relative to the firstcomponent 402. FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate partial views of the oralairway 400 focusing on corresponding elements of the latch mechanism ofthe oral airway 400.

When the first component 402 and second component 404 are removablycoupled together to form the oral airway 400, the first component 402extends over the second component 404 and forms the “top” of the oralairway 400, with the second component 404 forming the “bottom” of theoral airway 400. As such, the first component 402 sometimes may bereferred to herein as the “superior” component and the second component404 sometimes may be referred to herein as the “superior” component 404.

Furthermore, when coupled together, the first component 402 and thesecond component 404 collectively define a conduit 408 (FIG. 21) havinga first opening 410 (FIG. 11) and a second opening 412 (FIG. 18) throughwhich, for example, a fiber-optic scope and/or an endotracheal tube maybe extended for intubation of the trachea. Preferably, the internaldimension of the conduit is maximized in order to accommodate sizes ofendotracheal tubes that are larger than what conventional oral airwayswill accommodate. Preferred dimensions for a size#9 (90 mm) oral airwayare identified in the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 21, 22, 23, and30. The internal diameter in this illustrated embodiment isapproximately 0.9 inches at the first and second portions of the firstcomponent 402 as shown in FIG. 30.

The first component 402 and the second component 404 also are forciblyretained in this condition until some minimum amount of force is appliedto separate the components 402,404. Specifically, an interlockingmechanical structure is utilized in the oral airway 400 to retain thecoupling between the two components 402,404. The first component 402includes a first elongate tongue 452 (FIG. 19) and a second elongatetongue 454 (FIG. 19) extending in generally parallel relation. Thesecond component 404 includes a first elongate groove 456 (FIG. 17) anda second elongate groove 458 (FIG. 17) extending in generally parallelrelation. When the first and second components 402,404 are removablycoupled together, the first and second tongues 452,454 extend,respectively, within the first and second grooves 456,458. Specifically,each tongue 452,454 includes a leading end 453 (FIG. 19) and a trailingend 455 (FIG. 19); each groove 456,458 includes an opening 460 (FIG. 17)at a forward end 457 (FIG. 14) for receiving the leading end 453 of arespective tongue 452,454 therethrough; and, when the first and secondcomponents 402,404 are removably coupled together, the elongate tongues452,454 are received respectively within the elongate grooves 456,458.

Each tongue 452,454 further includes a raised bump or protuberance 462(FIG. 35) proximate the leading end 453; each groove 456,458 furtherincludes an indentation or recess 464 (FIG. 34) located proximate therear end 459; and, when the first and second components 402,404 areremovably coupled together, each protuberance 462 is received within arecess 464 for latching of the first and second components 402,404 inphysical engagement with one another.

Each tongue 452,454 includes a cross-sectional profile that closelycorresponds to a cross-sectional profile of a groove 456,458 for closefitting of the tongue 452,454 within the groove 456,458 withoutundesired play.

The oral airway 400 also includes a mouth guard for abutting an exteriorarea of the mouth of a patient during endotracheal intubation andpreventing the oral airway 400 from overextending into the mouth of thepatient. In particular, the first component 402 forms a first mouthguard portion 466 (FIG. 12) and the second component 404 forms a secondmouth guard portion 468 (FIG. 12), with the first mouth guard portion466 and the second mouth guard portion 468 defining the mouth guarditself. The first component 402 and the second component 404 alsopreferably define a chamfer 470 (FIG. 21) between the conduit 408 and anexterior surface of the mouth guard for facilitating the introduction ofa fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube.

The first mouth guard portion 466 and the second mouth guard portion 468each have respective surfaces 472,474 (FIG. 21) that extend in generallycoplanar relation for presenting a flush exterior mouth guard surface asseen, for example, in FIG. 18. Furthermore, as perhaps best seen in FIG.21, the first mouth guard portion 466 extends adjacent opposite lateralsides 476 of the second mouth guard portion 468 thereby bracketing thesecond mouth guard portion 468. The first mouth guard portion 466 may becharacterized as generally “M” shaped or “C” shaped, as perhaps bestseen in FIG. 22. Moreover, the second mouth guard portion 468 may becharacterized as generally “U” shaped, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 23.

The second mouth guard portion 468 also includes an area 478 dimensionedfor grasping between a finger and thumb of a hand for decoupling of thefirst and second components 402,404. This area 478 preferably comprisesa pull-tab and corresponds to, at least to some extent if notcompletely, the second mouth guard portion 468.

With specific regard to the first component 402, the first component 402includes an anterior portion 480 (FIG. 28) and a posterior elbow portion482 (FIG. 28). The anterior portion 480 extends generally linearly in alongitudinal direction along a first extent and includes a first curvedsurface 481 (FIG. 19). The posterior elbow portion 482 extends generallycurvilinearly in the longitudinal direction and includes a second curvedsurface 483 (FIG. 19) that defines a posterior curve 485 (FIG. 28).Furthermore, the second curved surface 483 of the posterior elbowportion 482 and the first curved surface 481 of the anterior portion 480together define a first, superior guiding surface of the oral airway400.

Likewise, with specific regard to the second component 404, the secondcomponent 404 also has a first portion 486 (FIG. 29) and a secondportion 488 (FIG. 29). The first portion 486 extends generally linearlyin the longitudinal direction approximately the first extent andincludes a first curved surface 487 (FIG. 17) located in opposingrelation to the first curved surface 481 of the anterior portion 480 ofthe first component 402. The second portion 488 includes a second curvedsurface 489 (FIG. 17) located in opposing relation to the second curvedsurface 483 of the posterior elbow portion 482 of the first component402. The second portion 488 of the second component 404 also includestapering side edges 490 (FIG. 29). The second curved surface 489 of thesecond portion 488 of the second component 404 and the first curvedsurface 487 of the first portion 486 of the second component 404together define a second, inferior guiding surface of the oral airway400.

As will be appreciated from the drawings, the superior guiding surfaceand the inferior guiding surface together define and encompass aninterior passage (i.e., conduit 408) through the oral airway 400. Thisinterior passage preferably is dimensioned to direct a fiber-optic scopeor an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage fortracheal intubation. As shown by the cross-sectional view of FIG. 33,the interior passage is generally oval in cross-sectional profile asindicated at 491 and, specifically, is generally circular incross-sectional profile.

With continuing reference to FIG. 33, the first and second components402,404 include a continuous, uninterrupted curved outer exteriorsurface 492 (FIG. 27) that circumferentially surrounds the interiorpassage, and this exterior surface 492 is generally oval incross-sectional profile as indicated at 493 in FIG. 33.

The first component 402 of the oral airway 400 also includes a firstgenerally planar member 495 (FIG. 24) that protracts in opposite lateraldirections from the exterior surface 492 of the anterior portion 480 ofthe first component 402. Likewise, the second component 404 includes asecond generally planar member 497 (FIG. 26) that protracts in oppositelateral directions from the exterior surface 492 of the first portion486 of the second component 404. The first generally planar member 495and the second generally planar member 497 extend in spaced parallelrelation to one another and are configured to splint the teeth of themouth of a patient and provide stability against rotation or wobbling ofthe oral airway 400 during endotracheal intubation. The second generallyplanar member 497 also includes a flat lingual surface 496 (FIG. 18)that is configured to forwardly depress the tongue of a patient duringendotracheal intubation.

In use of any of the foregoing oral airways, a method of trachealintubation includes the steps of extending a fiber-optic scope or anendotracheal tube through a conduit defined by first and secondcomponents of an oral airway, wherein the first and second componentsare removably coupled together to define the conduit; decoupling thefirst and second components after an endotracheal tube has been extendedthrough the conduit for tracheal intubation such that the first andsecond components are physically separated from one another; removingthe first component from the patient's mouth without disrupting theendotracheal tube; and removing the second component from the patient'smouth without disrupting the endotracheal tube. The step of decouplingthe first and second components includes sliding one of the componentsrelative to the other of the components. The step of decoupling thefirst and second components comprises further applying a sufficientamount of force to overcome a latch that serves to retain the first andsecond components together in fixed disposition. When decoupled, each ofthe components may be independently removed from the mouth of a patientwithout disrupting the proper placement of an endotracheal tube in thetrachea of the patient. With reference to the oral airway 400, theinferior component 404 preferably is removed and then the superiorcomponent 402 is removed.

Returning now to consideration of all of the illustrated embodiments ofthe drawings, preferably the walls of the components 102,104 of oralairway 100, the walls of the components 202,204 of oral airway 200, thewalls of the components 302,304 of oral airway 300, and the walls of thecomponents 402,404 of oral airway 400 are constructed from medical gradelow density polyethylene and have sufficient rigidity—or arereinforced—so as to prevent collapse when the oral airway is bitten downupon by a patient. The oral airways also preferably are latex free.

Oral airways in accordance with preferred embodiments of the inventionmay be produced in a variety of sizes ranging from neonatal to largeadult sizes. As such, the oral airways preferably are color coded so asto indicate size upon quick visual observation.

Additionally and/or alternatively, an oral airway in accordance with thepresent invention may be adapted, configured, or manufactured to providea desirable smell and/or taste. For example, a flavoring material may beapplied during the manufacture of the oral airway, or may be appliedafterwards, that results in a desirable flavor being experienced whenthe oral airway is utilized in the mouth. The flavor may be, forexample, that of a food, a natural flavor, or an artificial flavorincluding, but not limited to, bubble gum or a fruit, such as an orange.Alternatively, or in addition, a material may be may be applied duringthe manufacture of the oral airway, or may be applied afterwards, thatresults in a desirable scent or odor being experienced when the oralairway is utilized. The scent or odor may be that of a food or otherpleasant item. In connection with the flavoring and/or scent, the oralairway may include a corresponding color, such as a pink color if theflavoring and/or scent is that of bubble gum.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible ofbroad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of theinvention other than those specifically described herein, as well asmany variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will beapparent from or reasonably suggested by the invention and the foregoingdescriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope ofthe invention.

Accordingly, while the invention has been described herein in detail inrelation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understoodthat this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the inventionand is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended tobe construed to limit the invention or otherwise exclude any such otherembodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalentarrangements, the invention being limited only by the claims appendedhereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral airway, comprising: (a) a firstindividual component having a first curved guiding surface; and (b) asecond individual component removably coupled together with the firstcomponent, the second component having a second curved guiding surfacelocated in opposing relation to the first guiding surface; (c) wherein,when the first and second components are coupled together, the firstcurved guiding surface and the second curved guiding surface eachsubstantially define half of a perimeter of a collectively definedinterior passage extending through the oral airway for directing afiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube through the oral airway, butwhen the first and second components are decoupled, no passage isdefined by either the first component or the second component; (d)wherein the first component and the second component are configured tobe removably coupled together in interlocking engagement; and (e)wherein, when the first component and the second component are coupledtogether, the first component and the second component are separable bysliding longitudinally, relative to each other, out of complete physicalengagement with one another along a lengthwise axis of the interiorpassage.
 2. The oral airway of claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond guiding surfaces comprises continuous, uninterrupted surfaces. 3.The oral airway of claim 1, wherein the interior passage has a generallyoval cross-section.
 4. The oral airway of claim 1, wherein the firstcomponent has an anterior portion extending generally linearly in alongitudinal direction a first extent and a posterior elbow portion thatdirects a fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube anteriorly toward thevocal cords during tracheal intubation.
 5. The oral airway of claim 1,wherein the first component and the second component comprisecontinuous, generally uninterrupted interior surfaces that collectivelyencompass and define the interior passage.
 6. The oral airway of claim1, wherein the first component and the second component collectivelyprovide a continuous, generally uninterrupted exterior surfacecircumferentially surrounding the interior passage.
 7. The oral airwayof claim 1, wherein the first component further includes a posteriorcurve that directs a fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube anteriorlytoward vocal cords during tracheal intubation.
 8. The oral airway ofclaim 1, wherein the first component extends over and on opposites sidesof the second component when the first component and the secondcomponent are removably coupled together, and wherein the firstcomponent further comprises a mouth guard for abutting an exterior areaof a mouth of a patient during endotracheal intubation and preventingthe oral airway from overextending into the mouth of the patient.
 9. Theoral airway of claim 1, wherein the first component and the secondcomponent define a mouth guard of the oral airway when the firstcomponent and the second component are removably coupled together, thefirst component forming a first mouth guard portion and the secondcomponent forming a second mouth guard portion, with the first mouthguard portion and the second mouth guard portion defining the mouthguard.
 10. The oral airway of claim 1, wherein the first componentincludes a first generally planar member protracting in opposite lateraldirections from the exterior surface of the first portion of the firstcomponent; wherein the second component includes a second generallyplanar member protracting in opposite lateral directions from theexterior surface of the first portion of the second component, the firstgenerally planar member and the second generally planar member extendingin spaced parallel relation to one another; and wherein the firstgenerally planar member and the second generally planar member areconfigured to splint teeth of a mouth of a patient, and providestability against rotation of the oral airway, during endotrachealintubation.
 11. The oral airway of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst component and the second component comprises a flavoring materialthat results in a particular flavor being experienced when the oralairway is utilized in a mouth of a patient.
 12. The oral airway of claim1, wherein at least one of the first component and the second componentcomprises material that results in a particular scent or odor beingexperienced when the oral airway is utilized.
 13. An oral airway,comprising first and second individual components that are configured tobe removably coupled together, wherein: (a) the first component has, (i)an anterior portion extending generally linearly in a longitudinaldirection, the anterior portion including a first curved surface, and(ii) a posterior elbow portion including a second curved surface, thesecond curved surface of the posterior elbow portion in combination withthe first curved surface of the anterior portion defining a first curvedguiding surface; and (b) the second component has, (i) a first portionextending generally linearly in the longitudinal direction, the firstportion of the second component including a first curved surface locatedin opposing relation to the first curved surface of the anterior portionof the first component, and (ii) a second portion including a secondcurved surface located in opposing relation to the second curved surfaceof the posterior elbow portion of the first component, the second curvedsurface of the second portion of the second component in combinationwith the first curved surface of the first portion of the firstcomponent defining a second curved guiding surface; (c) wherein, whenthe first and second components are coupled together, the first curvedguiding surface and the second curved guiding surface each substantiallydefine half of a perimeter of a collectively defined interior passagethrough the oral airway for directing a fiber-optic scope or anendotracheal tube through the oral airway, but the first and secondcomponents are configured such that, when decoupled from one another, nopassage is defined; and (d) wherein, when the first component and thesecond component are coupled together, the first component and thesecond component are separable by sliding longitudinally, relative toeach other, out of complete physical engagement with one another along alengthwise axis of the interior passage.
 14. The oral airway of claim13, wherein the interior passage has a generally oval cross-section inan area defined by the anterior portion of the first component and thefirst portion of the second component.
 15. A method comprising the stepsof: (a) providing an oral airway comprising, (i) a first individualcomponent having an interior curved first guiding surface, and (ii) asecond individual component having an interior curved second guidingsurface, (iii) wherein, when the first and second components are coupledtogether, the first curved guiding surface and the second curved guidingsurface each substantially define half of a perimeter of a collectivelydefined interior passage extending through the oral airway for directinga fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube through the oral airway, butwhen the first and second components are decoupled, no passage isdefined, and (iv) wherein, when the first and second components arecoupled together, the first component and the second component areseparable by sliding longitudinally, relative to each other, out ofcomplete physical engagement with one another along a lengthwise axis ofthe interior passage; (b) locating the oral airway within a mouth of apatient; (c) extending an elongate member through the interior passagedefined by the first and second components of the oral airway; (d)decoupling the first and second individual components, after theelongate member has been extended through the interior passage of theoral airway, such that the first and second components are physicallyseparated from one another; (e) removing the first component from thepatient's mouth without disrupting the elongate member; and (f) removingthe second component from the patient's mouth without disrupting theelongate member.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first andsecond components completely surround circumferentially the elongatemember when extended through the interior passage of the oral airway.17. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate member comprises anendotracheal tube or a fiber-optic scope.